Page 73 of Knot Heirs: Serenity's Reign

"Miss Vale," Lucian said, coming to a stop before her. He didn't reach for her like the others had, didn't invade her space. Yet his presence felt more commanding than either Alpha's grip. "Are you injured?"

"I'm fine," Serenity replied automatically, though her scraped palms and ringing ears suggested otherwise.

His mouth curved into something too knowing to be a smile.

"Of course you are. The Vale resilience is legendary."

Was that a compliment or a test? Serenity couldn't tell, but she refused to look away from those amber eyes. They reminded her of a wolf's – beautiful, deadly, and utterly without mercy.

"We were just discussing Serenity's security," Darius said, stepping closer to her. A claiming gesture that wasn't lost on Lucian.

"So I heard," Lucian replied. "A joint residence sounds practical, if unusual." He straightened his already impeccablecuffs. "Though I wonder if your rather... conspicuous properties are the wisest choice at the moment."

His words hung in the air like the smoke around them – a challenge wrapped in silk.

He knows more than he's saying, Serenity thought.He always does.

She had met Lucian only twice before, but each encounter had left her with the distinct impression that he was playing several moves ahead on a board only he could see.

What game was he playing now?

Lucian's gaze swept over the wreckage of the parking garage, his expression betraying nothing as he assessed the situation.

"My estate in Whispering Pines remains unknown to most. It would serve as adequate temporary shelter while security measures are arranged." His voice was casual, as if offering a drink rather than sanctuary.

"Fuck that," Ronan growled, his green eyes flashing with territorial rage. "I don't trust you anywhere near her." His hand twitched at his side, and Serenity wondered if he was imagining wrapping it around Lucian's throat.

Darius stepped forward, his movements precise and controlled despite the chaos around them.

"My compound has state-of-the-art security systems, redundant power, and a team I personally vetted. It's the safest option."

"And the first place they'll look," Ronan countered. "My place has underground tunnels. Three exit points. No digital footprint." He turned to Serenity, his expression softening fractionally. "I can keep you safe."

Serenity felt the weight of their stares – three Alphas, each intent on claiming the right to protect her. Their concern was genuine, but beneath it lurked something possessive that made her skin prickle.

"Gentlemen," Lucian interjected smoothly, "while this territorial display is fascinating, perhaps Ms. Vale should decide where she feels safest." His amber eyes met hers, and Serenity sensed the calculation behind his charm.

"I don't need—" she began, but sirens in the distance cut her off.

Shit, this is the last thing I need right now,she thought, her mind racing through potential scenarios.

Police questioning would mean records, statements, visibility – everything she needed to avoid until she understood who was targeting her and why.

Before any decision could be made, three black SUVs rolled into view, parking in a semi-circle around them. The vehicles bore no markings, but Serenity didn't miss how all three Alphas tensed simultaneously.

"The Society," Darius muttered, his voice low and tight. "Fucking vultures never miss an opportunity."

Five men in tailored suits emerged from the vehicles, moving with practiced coordination. Their leader, a silver-haired man with cold blue eyes, approached with the confidence of someone accustomed to compliance.

"Mr. Blackthorn, Mr. Drake," he acknowledged with a slight nod, deliberately ignoring Darius. "The Society has been monitoring the situation. Given recent... events, we're here to implement Protocol 17."

Serenity felt Ronan stiffen beside her.

"Go fuck yourself, Malcolm," he snarled. "You have no authority here."

The man named Malcolm smiled thinly.

"On the contrary. The bylaws are quite clear. Alphas without a registered Omega forfeit certain privileges during times of territorial dispute." He gestured to the burning vehicles. "This qualifies."

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